Barry Westling

Jennifer, Just like our kids, every students needs and abilities vary slightly to greatly. Discerning where our students are, and catering to their individual needs not only assists them with technical material, but encourages them and contributes to the sense that their instructor care about their success. Barry Westling

Randy, Another variation is post it notes and "red stars". For me, I formerly used a red pencil to mark a star in the margin of my notes when I noticed the lesson was taking longer, students had more difficulty than expected, or asked interesting questions that could be inserted into future lessons. Post it notes sort of achieved the same purpose. These reminders allowed me to scan through one or more lessons quite rapidly in orer to make journal notes. Barry Westling

Bonnie, Electronic grading is great, but even so, personal communication allows us to convey confidence, sincerity, and kindness - attributes that help suggest the instructor cares and interested in the success of their students. Barry Westling

Brian, Great. That's the hoped for outcome with pretests. Barry Westling

Brian, Personality manifests different ways for different individuals, but I think one key is to strive to be honest, sincere and authentic, and kind. These are traits anyone can demonstrate in there own ways, and it facilitates better class sessions. Barry Westling

Brian, And good preparation can add a sense of confidence that makes the days activities run smoother, and students feel assured their instructor is knowledgeable in the topic. Barry Westling

Brian, Fairness in grading often complicates the extra credit debate. It's usually easier to just avoid the issue and choose not to give it. Barry Westling

Kenneth, The relative little extra planning for a guest or off campus visit usually pays off in terms of interest, motivation, and renewed enthusiasm. Barry Westling

Bonnie, Great. Tests don't have to be too long, and an instructor can target certain topics to help fine tune their upcoming lessons as well. The extra time in planning will pay dividends. Barry Westling

Bonnie, Teaching students to be lifelong learners is a wonderful expression and sentiment that conveys the instructor truly cares for the success of their students. This attribute "feeds a man for a lifetime" as the adage goes. Barry Westling